Bureau Of Meteorology Taps Into Japanese Satellite For Improved Weather Modelling

Thanks to satellite technology, and the generosity of Japan, Australia is now receiving an image of itself every 10 minutes, to aid with weather forecasting. And you can watch along from home.

The Bureau of Metereology said images from the Himawari-8, the most advanced weather satellite in the world, would enable meteorologists to forecast with more accuracy, particularly during developing storms.

The previous system generated only one image per hour.

"Himawari-8 is one giant leap in satellite meteorology: it’s like switching from black and white TV to high definition colour in one jump. Or you could compare it to switching from the grainy images of the silent era to IMAX. You can see unfolding weather in detail we’ve only dreamed of in the past," Bureau Director and CEO Dr Rob Vertessy said.

“Himawari-8 generates about 50 times more data than the previous satellite," he said.

"Our forecasters are now starting to make use of the vast quantity of new data. One of the most immediate benefits is the ability to see storms as they develop."

The Bureau's satellite web viewer is currently in beta phase, and will go through a period of testing and improvement.